Budget

Tonight we hope to wrap up the 09/10 budget including setting the rates. If there is a time when we can cop some corporate flak it is rates time.

Valuations have recently been undertaken in the municipality with some properties more than doubling in value. Rates in all but one municipality in Tasmania are based on this valuation amount. This however does not automatically mean a doubling in everyone's rates. We as a council can control the increases.

So tonight we decide. It is in Council's strategic plan that we run a surplus so I expect this is what we will do. I will certainly go into bat to achieve one.

Big projects before Council include 2 streetscapes, the Botts Road extension and bridge maintenance. What can be funded and what cannot will be decided tonight.

As per usual some will be happy, some will be unhappy and some won't care either way!

We can lower rates significantly if residents are content with significantly less services. Should council's just be rates, roads and rubbish? What about social and economic functions eg youth workers, tourism.....?